Environment Flashcards
what have we heard about the environment in the media (5)
- other countries are not interested in our materials and have returned them
- urgent issues with climate change
- move to electric cars; Canada to produce batteries
- banning plastic bags; use of paper or cloth bags
- divesting from fossil fuels in pension plans
sustainability
- the conscious design and consideration of impacts consumption choices make on the environment given finite resources
sustainable development
- form of growth wherein societal needs, present and future, are met `
ecological footprint
- the impact of the consumption of goods and services on the environment
sustainable consumption
- the use of goods and services that respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life, while minimizing the use of natural resources, toxic materials and emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle, so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations
stewards of the earth
- we have a responsibility to protect the earth that extends beyond our immediate family circle
natural capital
- the environment, a good we have to protect
ecologo
- labels for products that indicate that are an environmentally good product
environmentalism (3)
- concern for the environment, in general
- concerned about how to retain existing environmental resources, both socially (species) and physically (habitats)
- display eco-consciousness and conservation practices
ecoconsciousness
- thoughts and actions given to protecting and sustaining the environment
conservation
act or process of preserving and protecting natural environments from loss or depletion
what sectors of the environment are facing problems (5)
- water
- noise
- energy
- waste, recycling
- air quality
environmental problems: water (2)
- shortage of water
- pollution of water makes most of it unusable
environmental problems: noise
- any unwanted sounds create noise pollution
environmental problems: energy (3)
- energy production
- energy waste
- pollution from energy
environmental problems: waste, recycling
- integrated waste management
environmental problems: air quality
- deterioration comes from many sources
environmental solutions: water pollution (4)
- save water use whenever possible: dishes, grooming, cooking, washing car
- full loads of laundry, dishes
- install low-flow shower heads and fix leaky faucets
- landscape with native plants that don’t need additional water, water lawn/plants early, and cover soil with compost to reduce evaporation
environmental solutions: unwanted noise (5)
- plant barrier trees and hedges
- install high walls, heavy drapes, weather strip windows and doors, solid-core doors, and double-triple pane windows
- find housing away from noisy traffic, airports, schools and factories
- place bedrooms on quieter side of house and garage on more noise side
- buy “quiet” appliances and turn down electronic devices
environmental solutions: poor air quality (5)
- use roll-on or solid deodorants and hairsprays
- carpool, public transportation, bike, walk
- don’t smoke, no smoking indoors
- air out houses and workplaces by opening windows, using air-con or dehumidifier to maintain <65% humidity, put green plants inside home, and clean heater and air filters
- build with safe materials and installation methods
environmental solutions: energy use (5)
- clean and replace furnace filters, clean dryer lint sheet after every use, clean refrigerator coils
- install computerized thermostat, turn down heat on water heaters
- dry similar clothes together and do loads consecutively, do full loads and with cold water
- replace old appliances with more efficient ones (ENERGY STAR) and use small appliances when possible
- use fluorescent lights, turn of lights when not in use, and install lighter-coloured furniture
environmental solutions: waste and recycling (3)
- reducing: avoid excessive packaging, avoid one-use utensils, kitchenware and bags, buy in bulk, and buy recycled paper products
- reusing: use both sides of sheets of paper, reuse old envelopes for messages and lists, reuse wrapping paper and ribbons, and reuse cardboard boxes and glass jars
- recycling: recycling centres, hand down clothes, alter and reuse existing clothes, and donate used clothing to charities; refinish, sell, or donate old furniture
what are the costs of reducing energy use (5)
- installation and maintenance
- time
- effort required
- peer disapproval
- psychological costs: felt deprivation
general methods of reducing energy use (3)
- efficiency investments (saved money, but used the least)
- better management
- curtailment of amenities
what inaccurate estimates are made when saving money (2)
- overestimate savings when using curtailment and management
- underestimate savings from efficiency investments
equal billing policies (3)
- equal bills per month do not help to reduce use of energy
- leads to more consumptions: distances usage from cost and there are no price cues of increased usage
- used by low income and elderly
what improvements have been made in energy and water use (4)
- more programmable thermostats
- more low-volume toilets
- more people using tap for drinking water
- more light-emitting LEDs
what are the trends of home heating in Canada (2)
- significant drop in use of coal and wood
- significant increase in use of natural gas and electricity